🇨🇦 Montreal vs 🇺🇸 New York
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇦
Montreal
Canada
$2,092–$3,313/mo
C$2,906 – C$4,601 / month (local)
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
New York is 47% more expensive
Montreal wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Montreal (USD) | New York (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $2,308–$3,590 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $1,218–$1,923 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $96–$186 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $487–$731 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $64–$115 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $122–$147 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $38–$64 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $45–$83 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $18–$23 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $3,077–$4,872 | 🟢 Montreal |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.3 / 10 · 2.7 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Safety9.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Internet7.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Montreal if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
- ✓Culture
- ✓Food
- ✓Affordable vs Toronto
- ✓Students
Choose New York if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Montreal
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full Montreal guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Montreal →📊
Full New York guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore New York →